Walingford and Meriden Local News and Events September 2008

Meriden and Wallingford News and Events – September 2008


7th Annual Soy Unica! Soy Latina! Mother-Daughter Community CelebrationOctober 18, 2008 at Washington Middle School
The 7th Annual Soy Unica! Soy Latina! Community celebration hosted by the Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council and sponsored by Cox Communications is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Washington Middle School in Meriden from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. This year this exciting event will bring keynote speaker Elizabeth Torres: 20 year-old poet, painter and motivational speaker from Roselle Park, New Jersey. Elizabeth has been writing poetry since the age of five. She has six published books and three audio recordings. Elizabeth has experienced a lifetime's worth of international travel, speaking engagements, and art showings all highlighting her abilities to speak, create, and develop new motivational concepts.
This Mother/Daughter event is for girls ages 9-14 and offers workshops, prizes, and food all free of charge. The program helps girls and their mothers/caregivers to communicate and have a healthy relationship. We are also looking for financial support of this wonderful program. If you as a business or individual would like to support this important event, please contact Christelle Aube at the Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council203-294-3591. Every little bit helps!

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Blogging for Awareness of Invisible Illness Week

Blogging for Awareness of Invisible Illness Week Unites Thousands Chronic illness statistics are staggering, with nearly 1 in 2 people in the USA living with a chronic condition and, according to U.S. Census Bureau, about 96% of illnesses are invisible. With hundreds of thousands of people on the Internet searching for health information and support, thousands of bloggers now post daily journals about the emotional challenges they live with while facing a daily chronic illness filledwith pain.
National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, September 8-14, 2008, is inviting these blogs to have a substantial role in their awareness campaign. For example, part of their outreach includes over thirty days of guest bloggers as well as bloggers across the internet posting about invisible illness matters. For example, if you have an invisible illness-and a legal handicapped parking placard-you’ve likelyfaced a few stares and questions if you park in the blue spot since your invisible illness does not require the use of a wheelchair. All over the internet, bloggers are putting their illness awarenessefforts together to join in helping more people become aware of invisible illnesses. They show their support by posting about invisible illness issues, on their own blog. A downloadable badge that says, “I’mblogging for Invisible Illness Awareness Week” can spread the word about their commitment to the cause. Plus, bloggers are also thanked publicly each Friday on the Invisible Illness Week blog, which can give them lots of extra exposure for their own web site. Bloggers can post anytime, but they are also encouraged to specifically post on September 8th to kick off the week. Lisa Copen, who founded National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week in 2002 says, “Though we live with thousands of different illnesses, we have more in common than not. For example, illness impacts our families, careers, finances and daily living, to name a few. We can all learn from one another and share during this journey.”She adds, “And frankly, people are tired of hearing, ‘But you look so good!’ and they want others to know that their illness is legitimate despite how well they seem to be holding it all together.”Laurie Edwards is the author of a recently published book called, “Life Disrupted: Getting Real About Chronic Illness in Your Twenties and Thirties.” She has blogged about her illness since 2006 and says,“When you are a young adult people expect you to put in long hours to establish a career, to jump into the dating world, and to build a life for yourself. But they certainly don’t expect you to be sick. There’sno such thing as ‘too young’ to be sick! That is just one of the many reasons why Invisible Illness Week is so important!”
If you would like to join this unique opportunity to blog for awareness about invisible illnesses, see http://www.invisibleillness.wordpress.com/ . You can also receive updates, participate in surveys, win prizes, andfind out more about the telephone workshops at the Invisible Illness Week website: http://www.invisibleillness.com/ .CONTACT: LISA COPEN 858.486.4865
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Haircuts and more to benefit charity

It’s that time of year again, where all of Jennifer’s House of Hair’s employee’s participate in the annual Cut-A-Thon. The Cut-A-Thon is our annual charity event, in which we raise money for local organizations in need of support. We look to the community for help, whether it is with items to raffle off at the event or just spreading the word. This year has been very hard for people, and we feel that it is important for communities to come together and to not give up on giving. The salon has given us the avenue to be in contact with people that we know can help and will try to make a difference. This year Jennifer’s House of Hair has selected a couple of organizations to donate to. Here’s the low-down on all the charities:

Our Companions:

Our Companions is a nonprofit organization that believes no pet should ever be homeless. Every pet is a beautiful, blessed creature that deserves life and love.
Yet, in Connecticut, healthy pets are destroyed every day. Some animals facing euthanasia have behavior problems that are easily corrected. Others have health issues that can be resolved in a caring home. Most just need the right treatment and a loving human companion.
The staff, animal experts, and volunteers at Our Companions believe there's a proper home for nearly every pet. We're working to create homes for the state's most abused, most neglected, most needy pets. Today we offer dog training classes, one-to-one pet consultations, community education, and many other services.
To find out more about this organization and how you can help, visit the web http://www.ourcompanions.org/
Scholarship Fund for Meriden High Schools:

Jennifer’s House of Hair is setting up scholarship funds for Platt, Maloney and Wilcox High schools. This scholarship will be awarded to the “B student”. Someone who is very hardworking, apart of a club or sport, may or may not have a job, and not financially ready for college. You can say its a little help from the community.

Chrysalis for Meriden/Wallingford:

Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis, Inc provides a safe emergency shelter and services to women and their children who must flee their own homes because of domestic violence. The Chrysalis can house up to fifteen women and children in a confidential location for up to sixty days. During this time, a woman has the opportunity to plan her next move without the fear of abuse.

The staff at the Chrysalis provides daily one-on-one counseling sessions and works with the woman on short and long term goal setting. Weekly support groups are held with trained facilitators, and peer-counseling, anger management, and self-esteem development are critical issues that the staff work on daily with the women and children.

Mission Statement:

The Mission of Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis is to offer safety and alternatives to violence to women and children, to validate their worth by promoting a philosophy which empowers women and children to take control of their lives by making their own choices and decisions WITHOUT the fear of abuse.

Jennifer’s House of Hair is hosting their 4th annual Cut-A-Thon to benefit the Meriden/Wallingford Chrysalis for Women and Children, and Our Companions Domestic Animal Sanctuary. Jennifer’s House of Hair will also set up a scholarship fund for Platt, Maloney, and Wilcox High Schools. The event will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2008 from 9:00a.m to 3:00p.m at the salon, which is located at 437 Broad Street, Meriden. Wash and Cuts will be $15; 15 Minute Chair Massages $15, Mini Manicures $10, and Mini Pedicures $15. All services will be available on a first come, first serve basis with a sign up sheet available. While you wait everyone is welcome to enjoy the festivities. There will be a DJ, Food, Refreshments, Animals, Face Painting, Raffles and much more. It will be a great family event! All money collected will be donated 100% to the chosen organizations.

If you are interested in donating refreshments, have any items you wish to raffle off, or if you just any questions please call the salon at 203.235.3166.
Get a haircut and help a great cause!

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Meriden Humane Society's Annual Tag Sale
Lori Peck, Dedicated Volunteer

Its that time of year again. It's time for our annual tag sale. Where one mans junk, is another mans treasure. Best of all, all proceeds benefit the animals. So, if you've got the urge to purge some of those things cluttering up the house or yard, please donate them to our tag sale. We are accepting donations until Friday, Sept. 12th, for the tag sale, which will be held Sat. Sept. 13th & Sun. Sept. 14th. I'm sure there will be something for everyone. We will also have a Bake Sale table and Hotdogs for purchase, if you're hungry.

While you're there, please come visit our animals. All of our animals are special to us, but some of them require a little extra T.L.C. , which the right home can provide. If you met one of these animals, I'm sure they'd steal your heart.

Flurry, a beautiful 4 yr. old female white cat, was found on the side of the road with blunt force trauma to her face. She had to have her bottom jaw reconstructed and can only eat wet food. She has been a staff favorite since we rescued her, a little shy, but so sweet.

Delilah is a 3 yr. old sweet, shy tabby, who was found in Hamden and brought to our shelter. She has tested positive to FIV, but is just as healthy and deserving of a good home as any other.

Russell Crow, a male 3 yr. old white/tabby, that is also FIV positive, was taken in due to an eviction. He's a handsome, gentle cat and has many years of loving.

Marge is a spunky senior, diagnosed with hyper-active thyroid, which is easily maintained with mixing a pill a day in her wet food. She's a calico cutie!

Sophie is a chow/shepard mix, about 5-7 years old and was rescued in Meriden.
She's like a fluffy teddybear, but needs you to go slow and let her get to know you.

All of these animals and many more have each had some kind of hardship or sad story. You could give them a loving home for the rest of their lives. Even the FIV cats can live long healthy full lives. Remember they have nine!

The Meriden Humane Society is also selling shopping passes for Macy's Shop for a Cause, which will be on Sept. 20th. Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased at the shelter. This allows you to receive a 10-20% discount all day and all proceeds from the tickets go to the M.H.S. We will also have a table set up from 1- 4 at the Meriden Macy's.

If you would like to view our animals online our website is http://www.meridenhs.petfinder.org/ or contact us by calling (203)238-3650. Our facility is located at 311 Murdock Ave. in Meriden. See you at the shelter!


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YOUR DREAM..... OUR MISSION
The motto of the Arc of Meriden-Wallingford.

The Arc of Meriden-Wallingford began over 55 years ago by a group of parents who had children with disabilities. Over the 55 years, we have been providing quality services for those with special needs.
Today our agency provides variable services such as employement options, school to work transition, day service opportunities, residential alternatives, recreational programs, individualized services, and advocacy. These services will enable individuals who are developmentally disabled the opportunity to reach their highest potential. With just a little extra help they can live on their own, attend college, have a job in the community, give back to their community through volunteerism, have fun, and just live life to the fullest.
The Arc of Meriden-Wallingford strives to help individuals access avenues of life that most of us take for granted. Without our assistance, many would never know these options exist.

As a non-profit, we rely on fundraising to assist us with the rising costs in our economy. Every year we plan one major fundraiser for the agency, and this year it is a Motorcycle Poker Run.
The event will take place on September 13th at 200 Research Parkway in Meriden. Registration will run from 10am to 11:30am and riders will receive a mapped route of stops. The event will end in the same location with a picnic for all participants. The picnic will begin about 3pm and include food, beer, wine, and a live Neal Young tribute band. The cost for the ride is $30.00 for the driver and $20.00 for a passenger. If you do not ride, and want to assist in making this event a success, you can join us at the picnic for $15.00.

For more information or ways to contribute, contact Fran Pagano at 237.9975
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Sandman Gallery Music on the Patio for September
39 W. Main St. Meriden, Ct. 06450

All Friday Musical events are free on the patio rain or shine. Sit under the awning or out on the grass or bring a blanket and spread out on the lawn. Refreshments are available at the café. If there are any questions please contact Steve at 686-0000

September 5 Dennis Grady sings a smooth Gospel sound with additional appearance by Michael Johnson and the Spoken Word during the break.

September 12 Always a crowd favorite, Jazz the Ripper brings its killer Jazz sound to the patio.

September 19 The gallery is pleased to bring to the Patio for the first time the rocking sound of Arlene “WoW” Tessman. Popular in the Middletown and shoreline clubs Arlene will keep you looking for more.

September 26 Carlos and Roy round out the September lineup with their unique sound of soft and hard hitting popular tunes.

Visit us on the Web for information on the October 3rd music performance after the Downtown Brew Fest. www.sandmangallery.com

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The “Art for the People” show

The “Art for the People” show includes seven visual artists and a variety of poets and musicians. Four abstract painters and three photographers come together with a common thread … each piece is sold for under $100. Painters Guy and Michael Richters have shown in both Connecticut and Vermont, utilizing acrylic on canvas. Kate aset and Kerry Lucier have shown in Connecticut, Mass., New Hampshire and Vermont, utilizing latex on canvas or latex/acrylic on wood. Both Jennifer Walker and KD Lawler have worked as professional photographers with a focus on both landscapes and people. Ralph Riccio’s photography primarily centers on landscapes.

Art would be hung salon style and pieces would be no larger than 24” x 30”, with the majority of pieces under 16” x 20”. During the opening of the show, musicians and poets would perform primarily short original sets as an integral part of the event. Jennifer Walker (guitarist), KD Lawler (singer) along with percussionist Michael Macbeth would provide a musical performance. Michael Macbeth and Kerry Lucier will share a hand drum performance. Kate Aset along with Katheryn Pearl would perform their original spoken word/song pieces. Emily Morse would also be a performer/singer/poet as part of the evening.

Mission: The group that makes up the “Art For The People” has a vision of connecting community to art, to making art accessible and affordable and to co-create with one another. They bring a message that creation is an integral and undeniable part of life.


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Community needs assessment—we still need your feedback!

The United Way of Meriden and Wallingford and MidState Medical Center are teaming up to better understand the needs in the communities of Meriden, Wallingford, Southington and Cheshire. Those who live or work in the preceding towns will have the opportunity to complete a brief survey that asks how that individual’s town fares with such issues as affordable housing, financial assistance, accessible preschool programs, available health services and much more. The survey is available in both English and Spanish.

In addition to offering the web-based survey, print copes will also be made available through various local agencies, including the Meriden Health Department and Meriden’s Children First initiative. Participants who complete a print version should mail their survey to Community Relations at MidState Medical Center; 435 Lewis Avenue, Meriden, CT, 06451.

Please take a few minutes to take the survey. The goal is to make our towns a better place to live, work, and prosper. To take the survey online, visit www.midstatemedical.org/survey.

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Gil Simmons to Host American Red Cross Dinner

The American Red Cross announced today that its annual dinner benefit will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton in Meriden on Friday, September 26, 2008, at 6 p.m. Gil Simmons, News Channel 8 Meteorologist, will serve as Honorary Chairman.

“I am thankful to be involved with a group that makes such a difference on a global and a local level. I appreciate working with such great people who impact so many lives in a positive way. I am honored to host the dinner for such a fine organization.” said Simmons.

Simmons will host a “Dancing with the Stars”-themed audience interaction dinner produced by Sound Spectrum Entertainment. As in the hit TV series, six professional dancers will team with guests who will get a lesson in salsa, disco, hip-hop and other dance styles. Simmons will also present the branch’s Board of Directors’ Awards of Appreciation to the event’s sponsors: CYTEC, Lane Construction Corporation, RDM Financial Group, Record Journal, Wadsworth Investment Company, Inc. and
Wal-Mart.

In addition, a silent auction and a 50/50 cash drawing will be held. Tickets are $60 per person and include a three-course dinner. All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross. For tickets and information, please contact the Wallingford office at (203) 265-6721.

The Wallingford/Meriden Branch of the American Red Cross is a regional office of the South Central Connecticut Chapter, serving the towns of Cheshire, Meriden, North Branford, North Haven and Wallingford. The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization led by 650 local volunteers. Our mission is to provide relief to victims of disaster and to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
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Some thoughts from Kimberly…
Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom
Gas prices have sky rocketed for everyone and this is starting to make people think twice about how they are spending their dollars, this includes businesses and industries. One industry in particular that is looking to make a drastic change in the near future is the traditional publishing industry.
For many years, in fact, since the Great Depression, publishers would print up hundreds or in some cases, thousands of books by an author, some known and some unknown, in hopes of selling them to retailers like Barnes and Noble or Borders. These retail stores would order the books and put them on their shelves in hopes of selling them to consumers who read. If the titles did not sell on the store shelves, the retailers had the opportunity to sell the unsold books back to the publisher so the retailer could recoup lost sales. The publisher in turn would try and sell these unsold books to other retailers who carry books. This plan sounds great in theory, but what about in real life?
Well, it isn’t working very well in real life at the moment, “The returns are actually down right insane.” stated the CEO of Barnes and Noble and this is making people in the industry see this practice of returns as costly because approximately 25% of books sent out, will be returned, that’s a 1 out of 4 book ratio. The amount of daily orders placed is, for one warehouse, 15,000 titles. So, costly, it is, starting from the sale of the book to the retailer, to transporting the books, to the processing of the return, transporting the book back, to finally selling it to another retailer, which in some cases, may be the same one that returned the book in the first place. This for obvious reasons is a waste of books, time, gas, and payroll, which really boils down to a waste of money. We also shouldn’t forget how badly this effects the environment with unneeded transports, as well as the fact that these books were a tree or two once upon a time.
Too add fuel to this fire (pardon the pun), some books in earlier days were actually burned because they weren’t in a good enough condition to be resold. Some warehouses would use these books as a way of heating their buildings during the cold winter months. Thankfully, they are sent off to be pulped today and then probably reborn into yet another book title that may find its fate the same.
With all of the cost factors to consider, it’s no wonder that the publishing industry wants some things to change, but how to change, is not so clear cut. Some of the leaders in the industry want to go as drastic as producing less copies of a particular title. And yet, others want to cut out returns all together.
Both of these ideas, though practical, may wind up hurting the actual author with sales, and that may be in all honesty, the best case scenario for well-known authors. The unknowns may not get a second look if the editors have to look at production and sales as factors before they okay a new proposal.
With these factors in mind, some people are looking to print on demand (POD) as an alternative, but with sales only being one tenth of one percent here in the US; it is highly unlikely that that will spark a huge amount of interest here. It is, however, popular enough in the UK for bookstores to consider a pilot program called “Espresso Book Machine” (EMB). This machine will print up books while the customer waits in the store. If it is a successful pilot, the UK is looking to have 60 or so of these EMB machines in bookstores around the United Kingdom.
Something else that may be considered a great idea is the world’s first pocket reader called the Readius. This will be out some time next year as “the Cadillac” of electronic pocket devices that can download e-books for the consumer to read on the go. Thomas vander Zijden who is the Vice President of marketing is very optimistic of its launch in the US, and we shall see.
I think, given the economy, that it is still really too soon to tell if any of this will have an impact on the readers of today. Readers have access to so much more than just Borders. Yes there is POD and e-books, but there are also a lot of writer’s groups popping up on the internet too. I think reading has changed since the Great Depression and whatever the traditional publishers can do to catch up with that will only benefit everyone involved. Author, Publisher, and Founder of Writers With Chronic DiseaseKimberley Linstruth-Beckomhttp://www.kimberleylinstruth-beckom.com/
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October Art Festival
"Art On The Wall" & Art Walk

Easel Works invites you to join in the fun at their 14th anniversary celebration of "Art On The Wall" & "Art Walk, Saturday, October 4th, 2008, 10:00am to 6pm in Wallingfords Historic Center Street Cemetery. Art work by Easel Works adults and young artists will be displayed along the pathways throughout the cemetery. Hands-On art project tables will offer the opportunity for all to put their creative talents to work. Some of this years offerings: Button Christmas Tree Ornament, Hand Decorated Herb Pouches, The Silver Pinecone & Its Legend, Spiced Pinecones, Wind Lanterns, Hanging Power Symbols and a few added suprises.

Guests Artists will also display their works. These special tables will include: Digital Art by
Charles Jones, Mixed Media by Nelson Ford, Mixed Media by Lauri Mack, Mixed Media by Marion Gravel, Mixed Media by Ernest Trumpold, Mixed Media by Brenda Trumpold

A Special Exhibit of Pencil Drawings and Watercolors commemorating the 325th anniversary of the Historic Wallingford Center Street Cemetery will also be displayed.
There is no charge for projects tables. They are courtesy of Easel Works and the Easel Works Art Committee.
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Exhibits Open At Easel Works

Easel Works is pleased to announce the opening of two exhibits at their 2 Quinnipiac St. Studio & Gallery.
Flower Whimsey - Watercolors by artist Ernest Trumpold shows the lighter side of the world of flowers and takes the viewer away from the intricate details of each bloom and on a journey into the beauty in simplicity. Paintings will be exhibited August 25th. through October 5th.

"On The Edge Of Reality" - by artist Ramon Jimenez, amazing graffiti art that is controversial, thought-provoking and on the edge. This exhibit truly shows the effects of the world around us. Show runs through October 5th.

I hope these are ok. Again Thanks for bringing positve thoughts into our lives!
Brenda
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Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town Golden “K”of Meriden again presents its’ semi-annual PANCAKE BREAKFAST.

This will be held at the First Baptist Church, 460 Broad Street, Meriden on Saturday, September 20th from 7 to 10am. The menu includes pancakes with maple syrup, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, biscuits and croissants with butter and jam – juice, coffee, and tea. Cooked and served by the members of Golden “K”, it has become famous for the delicious home-made cuisine. Also featured is a silent auction raffle with many beautiful and useful prizes. This is their major fund raising effort of the season in their mission to support and donate to local charities. The tickets are $7 per person – call a member to purchase and make a reservation.

The club meets for lunch at Sans Souci Restaurant every Wednesday throughout the year, with an educational and enjoyable speaker invited from the community. Composed of 28 members, mostly seniors, all of whom loyally support the club and its’ objectives with energy and enthusiasm. Their activities range from community volunteering, to supporting children’s scholarship and campership.

The Tri-Town Golden “K” Club is a member of Kiwanis International.

Guiding the club this season are the following officers (plus an active Board of Directors):
Joanne Leahy, President
Jean King, First Vice President
Tom Freeman, Second Vice President
Anne Schaefer, Treasurer
Dorothy Carter, Recording Secretary

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Tradition Golf Club - Ladies 18 hole league - Tournament ResultsCongratulations to the 2008 Tradition Golf Club at Wallingford, Women's Club Champions!Club Champion - Mary BachinskySecond - Traci Canavan1st Flight Champion - Carol WelchSecond - Mary Lou Calamita2nd Flight Champion - Claire Brunetti
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TIPS TRAINING OFFERED

The local substance abuse council is offering a low-cost training for liquor permittees to learn how to follow the law and prevent underage sales and intoxicated customers. The program is valuable for owners and servers in liquor stores, restaurants, bars and taverns, social clubs, and any facility that serves or sells alcohol products.

The Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council (MAWSAC) will hold a TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) training on Sept. 16 beginning at 8:15 AM at the American Heart Association Building, Wallingford. The program will include information on alcohol sales as well as information for establishments that also sell tobacco products. The TIPS certification class will offer professionals information on ways to identify and handle an intoxicated customer, what the legal requirements and liabilities related to underage sales are, and how to prevent underage sales. TIPS certification is valid for three years and may be used to lower business insurance costs.

For more information please call 294-3591 or email mawsac@aol.com.

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INTERFAITH VOLUNTEER CARE GIVERS NEED VOLUNTEERS

Interfaith Volunteers Caregivers of Greater New Haven needs volunteers to be a friendly
visitor to an elderly resident, or help shop for or with an elder. Volunteers also
transport people to and from medical appointments or provide for respite care for families
needing support as they care for a loved one. All that is required is a loving heart and
two or four hours a week. A two hour training event will provide you with the information
and basic skills to make a difference in someone’s life. The next training events are
September 18th 6:30-8:30 P.M. at the Hamden Senior Center, 2901 Dixwell Ave, Hamden,
September 21st 2-4 P.M. Center Church on-the-Green, 311 Temple Street, New Haven
and September 25th 10 A.M.-12 Noon at Woodbridge Human Services (Senior Center)
11 Meetinghouse Lane, Woodbridge. Please call Interfaith at 230-8994 for information or
to register for one of the training events.

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Dolphin fall swim clinics September 15-October 9, 2008

Pre-TeamClinic

This clinic is designed to provide an introduction to the swim team experience. Swimmers currently in swim lesson levels Ray, Starfish, guppy & minnow: this is the clinic for you. Coaches will introduce competitive swimming strokes as well as starts and turns. This clinic is for the enthusiastic water lover who can continuously swim
25 yards of the pool.
M or th 4:45-5:30pm
Family member $25 youth member $35
program member $50

Strokes &Turns Clinic

This clinic is designed for swimmers with some swim team experience in either Purple 1 or Purple 2 or swim lessons levels Fish and above. Coaches will break down each of the 4 competitive strokes in order to improve efficiency and technique. Swimmers will be placed in appropriate groups for their skill level.
M & w 4:15-5:30pm T & th 4:15-5:30pm
Family member $60 youth member $70
program member $115

Advanced Endurance Pre-Season

this clinic is designed for competitive swimmers who want to be ready for competition before the season begins. Clinic will concentrate on endurance, technique, starts, turns and other essentials. Great for the h.s. swimmer and usa swimmers. All current Dolphin junior and senior swimmers are encouraged to register. Other interested swimmers should contact the Dolphin coaching staff for proper clinic placement.
T w th 7:15-8:30pm
Family member $70 youth member $80
program member $150
203 269 4497 x 30 or www.wallingforddolphins.org
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AQUAPHOBIC?

AFRAID TO LEARN TO SWIM BUT REALLY WANT TO? THINK YOU’RE TOO OLD TO LEARN TO SWIM? NOT SURE IF YOU CAN AFFORD SWIM LESSONS?

The Wallingford Family YMCA with the support of the United Way of Meriden/Wallingford has just the class for you!

This class is for adults age 18-99 (or even 100!) who have never learned to swim or have had a bad experience with swimming. The 14 week class will meet every Monday night from 6:30-7:15PM beginning Sept. 8th 2008. It will be limited to five students with one instructor and will meet in our more private therapy pool. Students will work on the skills in the American Red Cross Level 1 curriculum and will receive individual attention to meet and overcome their specific concerns and fears. Each student will receive a pair of goggles to help them feel more comfortable in the water.
The cost of this program is $5 for the 14 week session. A simple scholarship application must be completed in order to assure that those in financial need are accepted into the program. This form can be picked up at the YMCA or mailed to interested adults. It can also be printed from the YMCA web site http://www.wallingfordymca.org/.

We know from State of Connecticut statistics and from articles in our local papers that adults drown here at unacceptably high rates. The abundance of water sports here in Connecticut makes learning to swim essential. This opportunity to learn something that not only is fun and an aerobic activity, but also life saving, is now available thanks to the United Way. Don’t miss out! Call today to have information mailed to you. 203 269 4497 x 20 Pam VanderWeele, Wallingford Family YMCA Aquatics Director.
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Adoption: How to get Started!

Sponsored by: Child Adoption Resource Association A non-profit full service adoption agency
Located in New London serving all of Connecticut. Wednesday Sept. 3, 2008 And Wednesday October 1, 2008 7:00 p.m. Free Informational Sessions for People Interested in Finding Out more about Adoption:
Borders Books and Music Seattle's Best Café 470 Lewis Ave. Meriden, CT 06451 Phone: 203-237-5510

A CARA worker will explain different types of adoption and offer a step-by-step outline to adopting a child.

Project Connecticut's Child, a grant funded program seeking to find families to adopt children from CT state foster care at no or minimum cost, will be presented, as well as steps to International and domestic private adoption.

Participants will leave with a folder of resources to help guide families, couples, or individuals wishing to adopt.

For more information, contact CARA http://www.blogger.com/ 860-444-0553
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Seniors Have Dreams Too, Inc

On Saturday, September 13, 2008 a bottle and can drive will be held to benefit the non-profit foundation Seniors Have Dreams Too, Inc. The drive will be held at M&M Redemption Center on Route 68 (Church Street) in Wallingford from 9 A,M. to 1 P.M.
Thank you, Sally F. Smith President
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100th Anniversary of the Evangelical & Reformed United Church of Christ

In 1908, the Grand Canyon National Monument was created to become a National Park. New York City passed a law, the Sullivan Ordinance, making it illegal for women to smoke in public- only to be vetoed by the mayor. The Wright Brothers patented their aircraft. Women competed in modern Olympics for the first time. The first Model T Ford built. U.S. presidential candidate Republican William Howard Taft defeats William Jennings Bryan, Democratic candidate in his third and final nomination. Mother’s Day is observed for the first time. The Evangelical and Reformed Church was created in Wallingford, Connecticut.

One hundred eight people poured their heart and soul into establishing a church that to this day, one hundred years later, is still rich in spirit and tradition.

On January 19, 1908, a group of Hungarian immigrants responded to an offer from the mother church of the Reformed tradition in Hungary to send them a missionary, the Pastor Istvan Borsos, who was given an annual subsidy of $500.00 to supplement his salary. This was the beginning of an independent Hungarian Reformed Church.

The church was partially financed by its parishioners, who were asked to donate $.25 per individual and $.35 per family, each month. Many of the members worked in factories during the winter, but during the spring, they worked on farms.

On September 7, 1908 the church building was completed. The cost was $4,158. In 1913 a parsonage was built at a cost of $3,500.

In 1917, the news came from the mother church in Hungary that it could no longer afford to financially support the church. The State of Connecticut discouraged a Hungarian church due to the fact that Hungary was at war with the United States. A group of dedicated and devoted parishioners worked tirelessly to raise money to keep the church alive. In 1921, a decision was made to join the Reformed Church of the United States of America.

In 1965, while the sanctuary was undergoing new construction to enlarge it, the wooden frame collapsed, thereby ruining the structure of the church. A new church was built in 1966.

Desiring to be more connected to its Hungarian roots, the church decided to join the Evangelical and Reformed Church, which in 1957 came together to create the newly formed denomination, The United Church of Christ.

At one point, the church had 100 children enrolled in Sunday School. There were more children than space allowed, so the garage was converted into a Sunday School classroom! The choir consisted of a mulitude of talented musicians, so much so that a record was made of some of their music.

Until 1989 weekly services were offered both in Hungarian and English. Currently, a Hungarian service is offered once a month. A Spanish Congregation, Alpha & Omega, meets twice a week in the church.

On October 12, 2008 at 4:00PM the church will hold a worship service celebrating the anniversary of the church. At 5:00 there will be a dinner held at the Hungarain Club. The event will be catered by Brothers Restaurant. Hungarian specialty dishes will also be served. The cost will be $40.00. Reservations must be made to the church by September 15. We will be putting together a booklet which will contain memorials. A full page will cost $100.00, one half a page, $50.00 and a third of a page, $35.00. Please mail check to The E&R, UCC, 105 South Cherry Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. For more information, please call 203-269-4827.


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Call for Meriden Area Artists...The Main ARTery, Meriden's Main Street Celebrations of the arts sponsored by the Meriden Arts Council. Fine Art Show & Sale Thursday, October 2, 2008 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Meriden Courthouse Plaza. Along with a Wine Tasting hosted by Valencia Liquor and a Gourmet Chef Demonstration/Food Tasting sponsored by The Drust Family Shop-Rite. For a prospectus or more information, please contact Lynn Fisher at 203-235-6270 or info@meridenartscouncil.org. Open to all Meriden Fine Artists working in the mediums of Oils,Watercolors, Gouache, Egg Tempera, Pastels/OilPastels, Textile/Fabric, Photography, Sculpture, Graphics (charcoal, etching, woodcuts, silkscreen, intaglio, original illustration in traditional mediums such as ink or graphite, etc.).Work may be traditional or non-objective. Entries must be artist’s own work. Deadline for entries is September 1, 2008.
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AN INVITATION TO ARTISANS, CRAFT PEOPLE AND SCULPTORS FOR
CELEBRATE WALLINGFORD 2008

Wallingford Center, Inc. is inviting artists to participate in Celebrate Wallingford 2008 which will take place the weekend of October 4th and 5th. The 22nd annual street festival will be located at Fishbein Park and surrounding neighborhood in downtown Wallingford. Celebrate Wallingford 2008 applicants will be juried by a select group of professional artisans to provide the public with the finest and highest quality art and crafts. For information and applications call Wallingford Center, Inc, 203-284-1807 or by email wallingfordcenter@sbcglobal.net.
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The Wallingford Garden Club and Wallingford Center Inc presents the 2008 Gardener’s Market Saturday mornings 9:00-12:00 from July 12th to Sept 13th at the Railroad Station Green, routes 5 and 150. Offered will be plants, flowers, produce, unique crafts, baked goods, and special cooked treats from Bob and Carole Golitko. Gardening advice and plant clinic are available. If you wish to be a vendor, please contact Ellie Tessmer, Market Manager at 203-269-2653 or email at swcd43emt@sbcglobal.net.
We are looking for backyard gardeners to share their produce with their own booth, consignment or donations to the Wallingford Garden Club.
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The Arts and Crafts Association/Gallery 53 will be hosting an exhibition for artists Bruce Raven and Chris Ivers September 6th – 26th. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, September 6th from 2:00 to 4:00PM and is open to the public.
The Arts and Crafts Association of Meriden/Gallery 53 has been serving the community for over 100 years, it is a non-profit organization, committed to promoting and encouraging appreciation of the arts by means of educational programs, exhibits, workshops and lectures. The Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, 12-4 pm, and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 pm. Events are free and ample parking space is available across the street. The Gallery is easy to reach from I-91 and I-84. Visit our website: http://www.gallery53.org/ or
call (203) 235-5347 for directions.


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This September 5th, 6th and 7th The Brian David Ash Fire Memorial Fire Prevention Fund will hold its twenty-second fundraiser at Stop & Shop on East Main Street in Meriden. The fund was created in memory of our son Brian, who perished in a house fire twenty-five years ago. We decided to establish a fund in his name to promote fire safety education. We had learned that we couldn’t just give money to the fire department, because it would have to go into the city’s general fund, and probably wouldn’t find its way to their budget.

On Friday, October 14, 1983 my heart was ripped right from my chest. My son, Brian, age 7, had died in a fire. In a single moment, I went from being the farther of a bright and beautiful child to childless. My wife Roberta and I had no local families, and we were in total despair. We did in deed have to take the long journey through the valley of grief. As I look back from the edge of the brighter side, I realize it is possible for life to go on.

In the beginning, Brian was in my thoughts every waking moment. Today, only things that would remind me of him bring me to think of him. Since his loss, we have had a daughter, Elizabeth, who is now twenty-three. As a family, we speak of him often, but our life continues today as we are now, and not dwelling in the past. It almost seems callous, but it is true, life does go on.

Shortly after our loss, my most difficult question was, do your have any kids or how many children do you have? Oh, what a great chance to dump your grief on someone else’s shoulders. Of course if you don’t mention the child you lost you would be guilty of denying their existence on this earth. How do I answer that question twenty- five years later? That depends on who asked and why. It’s usually small talk from someone who really doesn’t know you. As a driving instructor, my students frequently ask me if I have children. I do tell them I have a daughter who is a college student. This is very relevant to my relationship with students. I generally will not mention the child I lost years before they were born because it’s not relevant, and my relationship with them doesn’t need emotions.

So much has changed over the past quarter century that I am not the same person I was when I lost Brian. Life does go on, and I have to live out the one I have now, even with the fond memories of the past. I look to the future when my daughter graduates from college, enters the career of her choice, gets married, and gives me grandchildren I can spoil and send back home with her. Don’t worry, I will tell my grandchildren about the uncle they never met.

Michael G. Ash


The Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra Young musicians--e-mail to audition today! meridenartstrust@yahoo.com
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Call for Meriden Area Artists...The Main ARTery, Meriden's Main Street Celebrations of the arts sponsored by the Meriden Arts Council. Fine Art Show & Sale Thursday, October 2, 2008 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Meriden Courthouse Plaza. Along with a Wine Tasting hosted byValencia Liquor and a Gourmet Chef Demonstration/Food Tasting sponsored by The Drust Family Shop-Rite. For a prospectus or more information, please contact Lynn Fisher at 203-235-6270 orinfo@meridenartscouncil.org. Open to all Meriden Fine Artists working in the mediums of Oils,Watercolors, Gouache, Egg Tempera, Pastels/Oil Pastels, Textile/Fabric, Photography, Sculpture, Graphics (charcoal, etching, woodcuts, silkscreen, intaglio, original illustration in traditional mediums such as ink or graphite, etc.).Work may be traditional or non-objective. Entries must be artist’s own work.

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Attention Retirees!

It’s almost that time of the year again…BACK TO SCHOOL TIME! Being retired, this probably doesn’t affect you that much. But back to school time also means that the Senior Buddy Readers program is beginning to sign up volunteers for the 2008-2009 school years. “What is Senior Buddy Readers,” you ask? It is an intergenerational literacy program where retirees volunteer to help first and second graders improve their reading skills. Last year, Senior Buddy Readers celebrated its sixth year, with seventy two volunteers helping over two hundred children in five Meriden elementary schools. So if you are a retiree who has one hour a week to share with a child, don’t you think it’s time to volunteer as a Senior Buddy Reader? For more information or to sign up, please contact David Radcliffe, Director of Meriden Children First Initiative located at the Meriden Public Library (203) 630-3566. Or you can check out the Senior Buddy Readers link at Children First’s website http://www.meridenchildrenfirst.org/. Make a difference in the life of a child…become a Senior Buddy Reader! ______________________________________________________